Bliss NOW

NOTE Director’s

Hello Friends and Family,

The past two months have been full of programming for our Fort Bliss Community. We survived the St. Paddy’s Day 0.5K, multiple Month of the Military Child events, a solar eclipse – hope you all enjoyed your glasses – the delightful tunes of our very own 1st Armored Division Band and the very talented Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band! I personally also survived the Bataan Death March, I attempted and I conquered.

We are not slowing down in the next couple of months, the fun continues. We will be celebrating Military Spouses on May 10, with an afternoon full of activities to celebrate you, the “force behind the forces.”

Armed Forces Day Parade, May 18, is just around the corner, where Fort Bliss and El Paso communities come together for a parade and celebration of all the Armed Services. This year we are partnering with DPW to provide a shuttle for you to have an opportunity to view a mural by Rudolf Carl von Ripper during WWII at the old William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC). This viewing

will be your only chance to see it.

We will be at the Rod and Gun Club on June 15, for the 2nd annual Outdoors Day, highlighting all things outdoors. Try out our ranges, participate in outdoor activities, and find out what Fort Bliss and the El Paso and surrounding areas have to offer.

Events are great, but we also have many other options for you. Our Massage Therapy services are available at Soto PFC with certified therapists, and they have lots of upcoming specials. Mission Essential Fitness (MEF) has training to offer Soldiers to enhance physical performance with help from certified Strength and Conditioning coaches.

The information you have all been waiting for, outdoor pools are opening May 4 and will be open for weekends only through Memorial Day weekend, then they will be open every day. Biggs Park Splash Pad will open May 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., for daily use. It is going to be another hot one, grab your sunscreen and get your swimwear ready!

All of this information and more can be found at bliss. armymwr.com.

MWR is here for you, and we want to ensure we are holding true to, “It’s better at Bliss!”

Be Blessed,

MR. MEDINA

915-568-3500 Roberto.j.medina.naf@army.mil

Marketing & Special Events Manager

Marlo Brestar

Editor/Writer

Natalie Hinojos-Tomeny

Marketing Assistant

Bethany Lewis

Graphic Designer

Raymond Sanchez

Sponsorship & Advertising Executive

Coral Musy

Advertising Assistant

Jonathan Hermosilla

Training Coordinator

Sybille Bookout

Office Manager

Martina Grise

Special Events Coordinators

Lora Diem

Edward Arriola

BlissNOW is a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation magazine published bi-monthly for activities on Fort Bliss, Texas. BlissNOW is mailed to all Fort Bliss homes inserted in welcome packets, and distributed to all Family and MWR facilities, along with the Fort Bliss Commissary, Post Exchange at Freedom Crossing, IHG Army Hotels Fort Bliss and the Personnel Processing Center. Circulation: 10,000 bi-monthy The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense or federal government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change without notice. Downloading of any social media apps is on a voluntary basis. DFMWR is not responsible for any negative consequences resulting in its use. For more information, call the individual facilities. Family and MWR Marketing is located in Building 12 Pershing Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 and may be reached at 915-568-6741.

Get your free copy of blissNOW magazine mailed directly to you. Email your name and address to: blissnowmagazine@gmail.com

BACK TO THE ROARING 20s A glimpse A glimpse

A stylish tribute to our sponsors

In a charming nod to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, Fort Bliss Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a dazzling Sponsorship and Advertising Social reminiscent of the legendary parties of the past. The First Armored Division Jazz Band set the stage for an unforgettable night of celebration. What truly set this soirée apart was the heartfelt acknowledgment of our sponsors, the pillars of support who have boosted the Fort Bliss community forward. USAA, American States Utility Services (ASUS), E.P. Dentistry 4 Kids, First Light Federal Credit Union and our other esteemed community partners whose contributions serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to our Soldiers and Families.

BY JONATHAN HERMOSILLA FAMILY & MWR SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING

Fort Bliss MWR presents an unparalleled opportunity for sponsorship and advertising, providing a unique gateway to the military world. By partnering with Fort Bliss MWR, you’re not only promoting your organization, but you’re also directly supporting Fort Bliss Family programing. Our Mission is to enrich lives, boost morale, and enhance the well-being of our military community. Elevate your brand, reach new heights, and give back to those whose serve by dialing our Sponsorship and Advertising office at 915-5686078.

To our partners and all of our MWR teams who contributed to this evening’s triumphs, here’s a toast. To Honoring the echoes of the past and embracing the promise of the future, Cheers!

Kids

Dad’s Day in the Park 10:30am-2pm | Biggs

BOSS: Fishing

8am-12pm | Ascarate Park

Massaging Mamas

8am-8pm | Soto PFC (Book appointment)

Spouses in the City 2-7pm | Centennial

Barbellas & Beasts

8am-1pm | Soto PFC

Junior Tennis Tourney & Carnival 9-11:30am | Tennis

Sip

Mother’s Day Brunch 10am-1pm | Centennial

Bowl with your Hero 12-6pm | Desert Strike Lanes

4-5pm Milam Youth Center (MYC)

Volunteer of the Quarter Ceremony 1-2pm | USASMA East Auditorium

1st Annual Best of Badge 8am-5pm | Rod & Gun Club

Commander’s Cup Ten Miler 6am | Soto PFC

Strong B.A.N.D.S. Tin Mines Hike 8am-2pm | Franklin Mountains State Park

Armed Forces Day Parade 10am-2pm | Smith-Bliss Field

BOSS: Golf 10am-1pm | Underwood Golf Complex

BOSS: Carlsbad Caverns & Camping Trip 10am | Soldier Activity Center

Battle at Underwood 8am-1pm | Underwood Golf Complex

Trap Shoot out 9am-12pm | Rod & Gun Club

BOSS: Opening Day Pool Party 11am | Soldier Activity Center

ONGOING PROGRAMS

MAY HIGHLIGHTS MAY HIGHLIGHTS

KIDS STAR WARS RUN

May the Fourth be with you! Join Youth Sports as they take kids on a run Star Wars style! The run will be SATURDAY, MAY 4 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per participant. Registration is required and can be done at Youth Sports Plex or any CYS facility. Onsite late registration will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information, call 915-568-2617.

DAD’S DAY IN THE PARK

Enjoy some out of this world fun at the park! Join Family Advocacy Program (FAP) SATURDAY, MAY 4 at Biggs Park from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to encourage fathers with children ages 3 years and younger to take time to actively engage in play and enjoy quality time with their children. Strengthening their family protective factors through play and interaction. To register, call 915-568-9129 or visit bliss.armymwr.com, search FAP.

SPOUSES IN THE CITY

Military Spouses join Army Community Service and Special Events FRIDAY, MAY 10 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Banquet and Conference Center for a Spouses in the City event! Enjoy a day in your honor with massages, relaxation techniques, canvas art and other fun activities. There will be Henna, lotería, arts and crafts, games, prizes and so much more. There will be hors d’oeuvres while supplies last. This event is free to attend. For more information, call 915-569-5577 or 915-588-8247.

** Events subject to change without notice. Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr**

JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT & SPRING CARNIVAL

Join Tennis Club SATURDAY, MAY 11 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for a Junior Tennis Tournament! Then, enjoy a fun afternoon will carnival activities! The tournament is open to youth ages 8 and older. The carnival activities will be open for ages 4 and older. Registration is required and can be done at the Tennis Club and Fitness Zone by May 6. The cost is $10 per participant or $20 per family. For more information, call 915-569-5448.

1ST ANNUAL BEST OF BADGE

Join Rod & Gun Club FRIDAY, MAY 17 for the first annual Law Enforcement shooting competition. This event is open to all law enforcement groups, security detail groups, active duty, first responders and medical workers. For full team participation the cost is $75 per person for three shooting events. Individuals who would like to enter just one event, the cost is $30 per person, per event – rifle or pistol section. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rod & Gun Club. To register or for more information, call 915-568-5026.

BATTLE AT UNDERWOOD

Join Underwood Golf Complex SATURDAY, MAY 25 for one of their most popular events! Be a part of the Captains team, Kenny Meador or Dallas Cooke. Each captain will have a team and the format will be Best Ball, Modified Alternate shot and Singles. The team with the most points at the end of the day will be the winner! The cost is $75 per person the event will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information,call 915-568-1059 or visit Underwood Golf Complex to register.

** Events subject to change without notice. Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr**

& 2

Kids Day on the Wall 12-6pm | Soldier Activity Center

Fort Bliss Cycling Race 7-10am | Soto PFC

Hustle & Muscle Fitness Challenge 10am-12pm | Youth Sports Plex

| Rod & Gun Club

MYC: Painting Ceramics Every Wednesday: 5-6pm Milam Youth Center

Bowl with your Hero 12-6pm | Desert Strike Lanes

-22 Pampering Papas 8am-8pm | Soto PFC (Book appointment)

SFAC Information Fair 1-2:30pm | Family Resilience Center

EFMP: Family/Parent Appreciation 9-11am | Army Community Service

BOSS: Pool Party 11am | Soldier Activity Center

Caverns Exploration 8am | Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Kayak the Rio 8am-5pm | Las Cruces, NM

Do-It-Yourself Auto Safety Orientation Tuesday-Friday: 9am // Every third Saturday: 8am Auto Crafts Center

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JUNE HIGHLIGHTS JUNE

HUSTLE & MUSCLE FITNESS CHALLENGE

Join Youth Sports Plex, SATURDAY, JUNE 8 for Hustle & Muscle Fitness Challenge! Test your capabilities by completing this fitness challenge in one-hour! The event will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., open to DoD ID card holders, ages 10 to 18 only. To register visit the Youth Sports Plex. For more information call, 915-568-2617.

JUNE SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Join Mickelsen Library for Summer Reading JUNE 1127! There will be different programs and activities to participate in. Mindfulness Glitter Jars, June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.; Stitch Makers, June 12 and 26 at 10 a.m.; Story Time Bees, June 13 at 10 a.m.; Recycled No Sew T-shirt bags, June 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.; Creepy Upcycled Toy Planters, June 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Story Time Gardening, June 27 at 10 a.m. These events are free to participate in. For more information, call 915-568-6156.

INTRO TO SCUBA

Join Outdoor Recreation for introduction to SCUBA SATURDAY, JUNE 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. at the Aquatics Training Center (ATC). The cost is $50 per person. This is open to the public, ages 18 and older. Space is limited. For more information, call 915-744-1532.

** Events subject to change without notice. Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr**

JUNE

EFMP FAMILY/PARENT APPRECIATION

Come join Exceptional Family Medical Program (EFMP) FRIDAY, JUNE 21 for a day of crafts, fun, and support for parent and families who have someone with special needs. The event will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at Army Community Service (ACS) ballroom. To register or for more information, call 915-568-9129.

BOSS: POOL PARTY

Join BOSS for fun pool party FRIDAY, JUNE 21! It is free to attend, there will be food available for purchase, music and more. This event is open to BOSS Soldiers, ages 18 and older only. It will be held at Soldier Activity Center pool starting at 11 a.m. For more information, call 915892-5195.

KAYAK THE RIO

Join Outdoor Recreation for a day out on the Rio Grande SATURDAY, JUNE 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transportation will be provided to Las Cruces, NM. After kayaking in the Rio, Outdoor Rec will hit up Mesilla for shopping and lunch. For more information, call 915-744-1532.

** Events subject to change without notice. Info: bliss.armymwr.com or facebook.com/blissmwr**

BY BETHANY LEWIS FORT BLISS MWR MARKETING

Get ready to embrace the beauty of nature and the thrill of outdoor activities! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club bring you a day packed with excitement, adventure, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to enjoy a day in the sun, there’s something for everyone at this event.

From inflatables and glitter tattoos to interactive range art projects and food trucks, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Participate in range demonstrations and witness skilled marksmen in action. Plus, indulge in free activities such as disc golf, laser tag, and water games, guaranteed to keep you entertained.

For those eager to test their aim, grab a rifle, pistol, or shotgun and take aim at the shooting range. For just $5 each or $15 for all three, you can experience the thrill of hitting your target –gun and ammo provided. Unleash your creativity

by painting abstract art on the range with a BB Gun or try your hand at archery for $5.

The excitement doesn’t end there, come out and learn about hunting on Fort Bliss, dive into the world of trap and skeet shooting, and if you’re up for the challenge, give it a try yourself for a $6 fee.

MWR facilities will be on-site to showcase their offerings, giving you a glimpse of the endless possibilities for recreation.

Best of all, the Outdoors Day Expo is a free event open to all patrons. Simply join and immerse yourself in a day of outdoor bliss.

Please note that for safety reasons, children under the age of 5 are not allowed on the range. Children ages 6 and older must attend a child safety class, which will be provided hourly throughout the day.

For more information, call 915-568-5026.

ESSENTIALFITNESS

The Fort Bliss Department of Human Performance is here to help every Soldier reach their highest level of physical performance at Ironworks East and West gyms. The core program at these facilities is the Mission Essential Fitness (MEF) circuit which is offered to any unit during operational hours. MEF is designed to improve Soldiers’ as tactical athletes and is led by Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists.

BY ANDREW VEGA FORT BLISS MWR MISSION ESSENTIAL FITNESS (MEF)

Department staff is also capable of designing training programs specific to an individual’s goals. Whether it is to improve your Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) score or prepare for Special Operations Forces (SOF),

stop by either facility and speak with a staff member. The facilities are open to DoD ID card holders and offer various events throughout the year. Stop in and ask how to join the 1000lb Club, or participate in the upcoming

Strongman/Strongwoman competition happening this fall. Other services available at Ironworks East and West locations include: Group circuit training (morning PT), ACFT Technique Workshops, ACFT and SOF specialized training programs, Family member and civilian training programs, Inbody Body Composition. The test is $10 per assessment.

As a part of Fort Bliss MWR team, this department is available to assist the total military community on Fort Bliss to include Soldiers, Family members, and DoD Civilians.

MISSION

ADVANCING TO SECTIONALS

Fort Bliss Tennis teams take on the win

BY FORT BLISS MWR TENNIS CLUB & FITNESS ZONE

The Fort Bliss Tennis Club completed the 40 and over USTA league season on March 10. Two of the teams won their local El Paso leagues and will advance to Southwest Sectionals being held in June at various sites in Albuquerque, NM. The Southwest Sectionals will be played June 14 to 16. The teams advancing from the Fort Bliss Tennis Club are the 3.5 women, captained by Margaret Baeza and the 4.5 women, captained by Rocio Mora.

The 3.5 women’s team built a strong and competitive team after only being able to keep three of their players from the previous 40 and over season due to their advancement to Nationals in 2023. Yet, this team builds high level players with dedicated practice time and a positive team atmosphere that promotes their success from year to year.

The team consists of Captain Margaret Baeza, Ellen Michnovicz, Guadalupe Castillo, Jamie Borsodi, Sarahi Najera, Claire Leonard, Gerla Gallardo, Alison Krattiger, Maggie Follin, Emily Adamczyk,

Marth Trost, Yazmin Pineda, Elizabeth Wakefield, Claudia Dominiguez, Gerrianne Lockhart-Walker and Ursula Morawietz.

The 4.5 women’s league competes at the highest level of recreational league play in El Paso. The players on this team bring top level tennis to each match they play. The team advanced to sectionals in 2023 and looks forward to the chance to compete at this level again in 2024. The team consists of Captain Rocio Mora, Bea Maese, Marybeth Stevens, Maru Barua, Miroslava Barua, Mayra Gonzalez, Artemisa Ortega, Rosa Chivardi-Ortiz, Melissa Hufft, Amy O’Rourke, Erika Herrera, Patricia Maese-Bowling, Holly Mata, Vianka Sanchez, Melissa Dore, and Wendy Felix.

Fort Bliss teams gives military, local, and international players the chance to compete together. They provide military members and their families the opportunity to see other tennis clubs in the area, get to know the local community, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Playing in a league at the Fort Bliss Tennis Club provides military members with ways to be active, healthy, and engaged in the community. If you would like more information about the leagues or tennis programs, call 915-569-5448 or visit bliss.armymwr.com, search Tennis Club.

BORDERLAND SOLDIER-ARTIST ON THE

Rudolf Carl von Ripper and his Mural at Bldg. 7167

BY D.J. SEVIGNY

FORT BLISS HISTORIC PRESERVATION SPECIALIST DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS ENVIRONMENTAL

DIVISON (DPW-ED)

On 18 May 2024, the Fort Bliss Directorate of Public Works – Environmental Division and the Directorate of Family, Morale, Recreation and Welfare will have a special Open House at Building 7167 for visitors to view the largest known piece of art created by Rudolf Carl von Ripper; a mural he painted in 1943 while stationed at the William Beaumont General Hospital.

For the first time in decades, the mural is being made available for the public to view in-person. Come see the ongoing restoration and talk about the project, the artist, and the mural with DPW-ED. Fort Bliss MWR will provide shuttle service periodically during the Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration, May 18, to Building 7167. There will be a designated area for the stops at Smith-Bliss field.

In November of 1943, Allied forces were pushing through the Nazi’s Barbara Line as part of the Italian Campaign. On the 4th, Technical Sergeant Rudolf Carl von Ripper led two platoons up rocky terrain to encircle the small village of Roccaravindola and nearby rocky crag under German control. Intense enemy machine gun fire and mortar rounds required von Ripper to organize a 12-man patrol from the platoon he was commanding and advanced the patrol behind enemy lines. There, he shouted at the Germans to surrender, who instead responded with small arms fire and grenades.

Deploying his men in a covering movement, von Ripper and one of his men advanced in the face of intense enemy fire. During this time, he killed two Germans, wounded three more, rounded up 11 prisoners, and confiscated numerous weapons.

In May of 1945, von Ripper, who received a field commission to Lieutenant, was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster for the Silver Star for the gallantry in action he displayed during combat.

“A soldier-artist is a painter with a gun, a man to fight at times and to paint at other times. And in that he is very lucky: He can divert his effort from destruction, from killing, which is the soldier’s job, to creative work, to build, make new things.” Rudolph von Ripper, quoted in The Army at War, War Finance Department 1943.

When the U.S. declared war on Japan in December 1941, von Ripper volunteered to join the Army. At 37 years old, he accumulated an extensive degree of battle wounds from previous enlistments and engagements. A punctured lung from his time with the French Foreign Legion during the Syrian Revolt of 1925, a heart condition sustained from merciless torture and witnessing a mock execution as prisoner in the Oranienburg concentration camp in 1933, extensive shrapnel wounds to his legs from a crash as an aerial gunner on a Soviet bomber in support of the Spanish Loyalist air force in 1937, and strabismus in his right eye caused him to stare in directions that differed from his left eye. »

BORDERLAND

photo courtesy: archives of american art, smithsonian institution Rudolf Carl von Ripper with the 34th Infantry Division.

The Army initially rejected von Ripper’s application, but later admitted him for “limited service only” in early 1942. By April of that year, von Ripper served as a hospital technician in the William Beaumont General Hospital at Fort Bliss.

By this point, von Ripper established himself as an accomplished artist. Instead of following his father’s footsteps by assuming the role as Baron amidst the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he instead ran away to forge a life of his own. He worked numerous odd jobs as a teenager before attending the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf to study art. He then moved to Paris to continue his studies. There he volunteered for the French Foreign Legion, which he served for two years before deserting after sustaining terrible injuries in Syria. He then moved to Berlin to immerse himself in the vibrant social culture emerging during the Weimar Republic. His art career continued to develop while traveling to east Asia in the late 1920s. He then settled in Majorca, Spain, where he created antifascist illustrations commissioned by the German resistance.

Von Ripper returned to Berlin in 1933 as the Nazi Party tightened its grip on the country. Soon after, the Gestapo arrested von Ripper for bringing copies of the Brown Book (Braunbuch), an anti-Nazi publication published by German left-wing groups in exile. Charged with high treason, he was sent to Oranienburg where he was brutally tortured along with numerous Bauhaus professors, students, artists, and other intellectuals. While imprisoned, von Ripper managed to get in contact with Engleburt Dollfuss, the anti-Nazi Austrian Chancellor. Due to his family’s aristocratic roots, Dollfuss was able to secure von Ripper’s release, on the condition that von Ripper would never step foot in Nazi territory again. During release, the head of the Gestapo, Colonel Rudolph Diels, warned him, “When you get to Austria, or wherever you go, remember that the arm of the Gestapo can reach across our borders, wherever it is desired. Take my advice. Keep your mouth shut.” »

(Above photo) Von Ripper Mural in the William Beaumont General Hospital Library, July 1947.

(Top left photo) “Rudolf Carl von Ripper paints the mural” Beaumont Weekly News, Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 3.

photo courtesy of army art collection, center for military history

Later, von Ripper wrote of his torture, “I didn’t squeal… My heart was filled with undying hatred for the Third Reich and all it stands for.”

Through his art, von Ripper shared the horrors he experienced in Europe while Nazi Germany was coming to power. In 1935, his 14 drawings were exhibited at the Tooth Gallery in London under the show name “Kaleidoscope Fourteen Surrealist Drawings by Rudolf von Ripper.” After years of outrunning the Gestapo, von Ripper secured his path to the United States through Cummins Catherwood, an American art patron and benefactor who used his foundation to assist many European artists escape the growing threat of Nazi Germany. Before crossing the Atlantic, von Ripper briefly stayed in Paris in early 1938 to create his masterwork, “To Crush Tyranny” (Écraser l’Infâme). Soon after, he boarded the S. S. Bilderdyk from Amsterdam to travel to Boston, Massachusetts.

tortures which later led to the systematic liquidation of millions of human beings, I took up the fight again, with pencil and brush,” said Rudolf von Ripper, with the 34th Infantry Division in Italy.

“After months in a jail and in a concentration camp, where I myself was subjected to torture and witnessed, inflicted on others ... I took up the fight again, with pencil and brush.”

–

Rudolf von Ripper, with the 34th Infantry Division in Italy

“I came to America a refugee from my native country, which had become Hitler’s first victim in his made dream of world hegemony ... After months in a jail and in a concentration camp, where I myself was subjected to torture and witnessed, inflicted on others, those

Von Ripper arrived in Boston on 23 February and quickly traveled to Greenwich Village in New York City. Back in Austria, Wanted posters offered a reward for his capture; his mother’s house was raided, and letters from her son were stolen. While in Greenwich Village, von Ripper fit in with a network of refugee artists, including Salvador Dali. In 1939, Time Magazine used one of his prints from Écraser l’Infâme titled “From the Unholy Organist, a Hymn of Hate” as the cover art for their issue declaring Adolf Hitler as Man of the Year. By this time, he established his art studio in a 100-year old Barn in New Canaan, Connecticut. During a fellowship at Yaddo artist colony in Saratoga Springs, New York, von Ripper and other exiled artists learned of the outbreak of war in Europe. After Yaddo, von Ripper returned to New Canaan to continue his art until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He responded accordingly to continue his fight against Nazi Germany through both art and war. ◊

photo courtesy of el paso county historical society

(Above photo) Von Ripper Mural soon after Rediscover, Summer 2015.

(Left photo) “1st Armored Division (1AD) Tanks Enter Rome.”

Indulge in a blissful massage Indulge

BY NATALIE HINOJOS-TOMENY & CHASTITY JOSE FORT BLISS MWR MARKETING & FORT BLISS SPORTS, FITNESS & AQUATICS (SFA)

After finishing a challenging workout of Iron Divas with Sonia at Soto Physical Fitness Center (PFC) it’s natural to feel a bit exhausted and sore. Fortunately, the massage therapy offered at Soto PFC is the perfect solution for those who need to relax and soothe their muscles. It’s a good thing that you discovered the Fort Bliss Sports Fitness and Aquatics LinkTree, which is displayed on all their posters. You quickly book a 60-minute session online after class. As you make your way downstairs from the fitness room, you head down the hallway passed the weight room. There you are greeted by your massage therapist. They discuss with you what you would like to work on, from your shoulders to your toes. They direct you to one of the rooms where the ambiance is already set for relaxation with dimmed lights, calming music, and a pleasant scent of essential oils encompassing you. You finally indulge in total bliss as the masseur kneads away all tension throughout your body.

Your mind drifts off feeling more relaxed with every passing minute. After the session, you feel like a new person and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience a sensational massage session at Soto PFC.

Fort Bliss Massage Therapy has been provided at Soto PFC for more than 10 years. It’s strategically located down the hall passed the weight room area to give patrons a spalike experience and a bit of privacy. Many types of massages are offered at Soto

PFC such as Swedish, sports, migraine, deep tissue, pregnancy and many more.

Massage therapy uses different pressures, movements, and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. It can be used to release stress and tension, reduce anxiety and stress related to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, ease symptoms of depression, enhance exercise performance and improve recovery time, decrease joint pain, help with chronic neck and back pain, improves sleep and has many other benefits.

If you’re not sure what type of massage is right for you, speak with one of the two massage therapists for the perfect massage tailored to you.

Justin Green has been a licensed massage therapist since 2016. His style combines a mixture of Swedish and deep tissue techniques to provide a relaxing yet effective massage. Justin has a wide array of modalities at his disposal including, but not limited to, neuromuscular and trigger point therapy, Swedish, Lomi Lomi, prenatal, and deep tissue massages to fit your needs will be created to maximize your comfort and productivity.

Cruz Gutierrez a licensed massage therapist since 2020. His style combines a mixture of ancient therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to, Gua Sho, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Tok Sen, Lomi Lomi, Swedish and neuromuscular therapy. He enjoys integrating stretching, mobilization, and compression during his massage, as he believes movement is medicine for the body.

For more information, call 915-744-5790/5800 or go online to book your next massage by scanning the QR code provided.

LAGARIAN S., CLASS OF ‘14 & ‘19

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TRAVEL WITH LTS

BY FORT BLISS MWR LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES (LTS)

Summer is just around the corner and in this issue of Bliss Now, Leisure Travel Services (LTS) would like to help you with some ideas on what you can do this summer. If planning trips is overwhelming or you would like to have someone do the work, Leisure Travel Services is here for you!

Did you know LTS can put together your travel plans, like finding a flight, hotel, car rental, vacation packages, cruises, select tours/excursions and attraction tickets?

All it takes is letting them know what you are looking for or wanting to do and they will take it from there. Most people in El Paso/Fort Bliss travel to California, Florida or even San Antonio for summer vacation. Some of the top attractions people love to visit are Disney and Universal.

If you are planning to visit Disneyland or Disney World, they currently still require reservations to enter their parks. You want to keep this in mind as you will have to link your tickets you purchase through LTS, to Disney and reserve the day(s) and park(s) you will be visiting. LTS will go over the reservation process before you purchase tickets. Disneyland and Disney World offer military rates for Active-Duty and retirees on their rooms and tickets. You can purchase your discounted tickets at the LTS office, you will be benefiting from such great opportunities they provide for you. Disney World in Florida brought back the Disney Dining Plans at the beginning of this year and you are able to add them to your military package. The Dining Plans help out so much with your food budget when staying at a Disney Resort. On top of the resort stay, dining plans and tickets, you are able to add travel protection, memory maker and a car rental. Whether it is Disney in California or

Florida, LTS can put together your Disney Vacation package. Universal Orlando offers military vacation packages to stay at one of the many resorts they have on property that include their 2 or 3 park Freedom Passes and even Harry Potter exclusive add-ons.

Universal Orlando has three parks: Universal Studios Orlando, Island of Adventure and Volcano Bay (water park). This summer, they will be opening their newest area in Universal Studios, DreamWorks Land. The area features Shrek, Trolls and King Fu Panda. Currently, Universal Orlando has 8 resorts on property.

In 2025, they will add an additional theme park, making it their fourth: Universal Epic Universe. Within Epic Universe, Celestial Park will feature gardens, waterways inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. After entering Celestial Park, you will find gateways to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Along with the addition of the fourth park, they will also add three new resorts, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, located within Epic Universe and Stella Nova and Terra Luna, located next to Epic Universe. This is such exciting news to look forward to for 2025. This summer, consider a trip to Universal Orlando, they have so much to offer.

For any LTS travel, discuss what you need and LTS can provide a complimentary quote. They will need additional information such as the number of travelers, destination, dates of travel and what type of travel whether it’s flight, hotel, car rental, etc. For more information, call 915-569-6446.

ALABAMASTREET

LEGEND

Bliss and Family & MWR Facilities

No. Organization Bldg. Phone

1 Adujtant General 1 915-568-3301

2 American Red Cross 45 915-568-4849

3 Armed Services YMCA 7060 915-562-8461

4 Army Community Service (ACS) 2494 915-569-4227

5 820 915-568-7280

6 Bowling Center/Desert Strike Lanes 2949 915-568-6272

7 Car Wash 197 915-630-8669

8 Child Development Center, Main 1730 915-568-5689

9 Child Development Center, Replica 5036 915-569-7199

10 504B 915-568-6287

11 Commissary 1620 915-568-4022

12 Community Pool 253 915-568-5380

13 Family MWR Headquarters 11 915-568-3500

14 Family MWR Marketing 12 915-568-6741

15 Family and Resilience Center (FRC) 250 915-569-5500

16 801 915-562-5451

17 Freedom Crossing PX:

• Post Exchange, Grand Theatre

• Third-party shops 1613 915-562-7200

18 505

19 Garrison Command 1741 915-568-2833

20 VA Clinic 7777 915-564-6100

21 • Kelly Park 1991 915-564-0795 915-569-1133

22 1741 915-568-2898

23 IHG Army Hotels at Fort Bliss 1744 915-565-7777

24 In-Processing/Welcome Center 505 915-568-3035

25 Inspector General 21 915-568-1241

26 Ironworks Gym West 2996 915-568-2892

27 Junior Enlisted Family Center 2004 915-263-7164

28 LTS Kiosk at Freedom Crossing 1611 915-569-6446

29 Legal Assistance 113 915-568-7141

30 Mickelsen Community Library 2 915-568-6156

31 Milam Physical Fitness Center (PFC) 2499 915-568-7318

32 Old Ironsides Museum 1735 915-568-5412

33 Old Fort Bliss Replica 5054 915-568-4518

34 2968 915-568-7393

35 Outbound Transportation 503B 915-568-9699

36 Parent Central/CYS Registration 1743 915-568-4374

37 Pershing Pub 243 915-781-6809

38 1733 915-562-4036

39 POV Car Resale Lot 915-569-6446

40 Recycling Center 1250 915-568-5437

41 Replica Pool 5035 915-568-7431

42 Replica Youth Center 5037 915-568-3523

43 School Age Center, Bliss 2010 915-568-2178

44 SKIESUnlimited #2 131A 915-568-5544

45 Soldier & Family Medical Clinic 2496 915-742-3858

46 Stout Physical Fitness Center (PFC)

• The Mix Smoothie Bar 2930 915-568-3264 915-568-7393

47 Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) 241 915-568-5970

48 Tennis Club & Fitness Zone 262 915-569-5448

49 USO 2408 915-569-5644

50 Vehicle Registration 503A 915-568-1890

51 Veterinary Services 6077 915-742-2266

52 Youth Sports Plex 195 915-568-KIDS

KEYS

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

STENNIS STREET CARTER ROAD

SHERIDAN ROAD

SHANNON VAN VALZAH ROAD